Author Starts Katrina Relief Project for Animal Friends
Glatzer, who is editor-in-chief of Absolute Write (absolutewrite.com) has written several books and is a writing coach.
A. Kelsey, a subscriber to Absolute Write and a freelance writer, is working with employees of local animal shelters in the Texas Hill Country to get her own Katrina anthology project off the ground.
The book will be released through the self-publisher Lulu with 100 percent of the proceeds going to charities.
“At this point we’re thinking of shifting the donations between the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the ASCPA,” said Kelsey. “The first is working to rescue the stranded animas; the second is building shelters to house them. We’re also open to other suggestions.”
Kelsey is asking fellow animal lovers to submit essays, short stories; etc. of 3,000 words or less to be included in the anthology. There are no set themes at this point and writers may offer suggestions but Kelsey said she would love to read submissions which make staff laugh, cry, and feel inspired.
She is also looking for another editor and said she is the only one suited for the task right now and would like volunteers to spread the word about the project to their local animal shelters and newspapers.
She is looking for a website designer for the project.
With a deadline of Sept. 30th the project is still in the early stages and Kelsey said staff is waiting to hear back from lawyers, publishers, and various organizations.
“We’re hoping to find volunteers to take over the legal and financial aspects of the project,” she said. “I’m also hoping a well-known author will step in and take over the role of spokesperson so this introvert can manage things behind the scenes.”
Kelsey said as various people and organizations publicly endorse the project by placing announcements on their websites, she will provide links to them. Austin is receiving a large number of animals left homeless in Katrina’s wake and they’re all scrambling to coordinate efforts, she said.
“We’re asking for one-time rights and reprints are okay if you currently own the rights to the piece,” said Kelsey.
Word attachments are preferred but Kelsey said she is also willing to accept text documents.
“I’ve received plenty of wonderful suggestions from members of this board,” wrote Kelsey. “One of my favorites is publishing a book of poetry written by children.”
For questions, to make suggestions, or to submit a story, email Kelsey at akelsey@austin.rr.com.
